Saffah and Marwah The Holy Hills of Mecca

Written by Nuraz

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Salaam (WRWB). Saffah and Marwah is one of the things you must do in Hajj. In this pilgrimage you must walk from Saffah to Marwah 7 times (back & forth). But now you may be asking why this is the case? It dates back long ago during Ibrahim (AS)’s time.

Ibrahim (AS) and his wife Hajar would always be tested by Allah (SWT). Hajar would look after Ibrahim (AS), Ismail (AS). And because of the terrain of the desert, being dehydrated was often a thing. So Hajar would look for something to quench the thirst of Ismail (AS), finding water in the hills of Saffah and Marwah. Also this was during the time, right after Ismail (AS) was born, meaning Hajar had needed to nurse this child. And because of the desert climate being rough, she had struggled to give Ismail (AS) the needed milk supplements to feed him. This was a test from Allah (SWT) and Hajar knew that.

But how did they respond, and what were the actions they took?

A dua that Ibrahim (AS) had recited in this situation is mentioned in the Quran, as Allah (SWT) mentions,

رَّبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنتُ مِن ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَيْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ رَبَّنَا لِيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَاجْعَلْ أَفْئِدَةً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَهْوِي إِلَيْهِمْ وَارْزُقْهُم مِّنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْكُرُونَ
Meaning - “Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people inclined toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful for.” (14:35)

Hajar had also begged Allah (SWT) for food security for her son. And remained steadfast, acknowledging that Allah (SWT) is the best of planners. Allah (SWT) would then accept her dua and give her a sufficient water source, and food to save their hunger. Hajar would drink the infamous holy water known as Zamzam water. And would miraculously nurse Ismail (AS) with this water.

Later Hajar would dig up a well to create a sufficient water source, otherwise known as the “Zamzam Well.” The Prophet (PBUH) had said in his final sermon,

“May Allah have mercy upon the mother of Ishmael. If she had not hastened to take water, the Zamzam well would have become a flowing spring.” (Bukhari 3183)

This indicates the significance of Saffah and Marwah being a staple to one’s pilgrimage. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) explains and expresses the benefits of the crossing of Saffah and Marwah. Allah (SWT) proclaims,

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
Meaning - “Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs Umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers is good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” (2:158)
This expresses the benefit of this ritual.

Overall the story of Hajar should inspire us to become better devoted servants to Allah (SWT), and to him alone should we express our desires. As it is the answer to the test that has been given. The attributes of Hajar, the way she was steadfast and the way she was patient. May Allah (SWT) forgive us and Salaam (WRWB).